InfoAnda - Iran's crackdown quiets streets but not anger

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

U.S. finishes probe of Afghanistan helicopter crash | | 13 October 2011
Man Repossesses Car With Baby In Backseat, Stranger To Help Mom Pay Loan | 15 January 2010
Stosur, Radwanska oust qualifiers in WTA tennis | 29 July 2010

Couple Marry, Celebrate With Triathlon | 27 October 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iran's crackdown quiets streets but not anger

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Iran's crackdown quiets streets but not anger By BRIAN MURPHY,Associated Press Writer AP - Monday, June 29 EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media. ADVERTISEMENT ___ Each evening, the protest cries still come from rooftops in Tehran. They began weeks ago as a display of defiance and unity. Now they echo something else: a chorus that bemoans the suffocating crackdown but also signals that the confrontations with Iran's Islamic regime may be far from over. A month that began with the world watching the giddy all-night campaign parties for Mir Hossein Mousavi is closing with Iranian forces in full lockdown mode _ blanketing the streets, censoring the Web, detaining Mousavi's backers and showing few hints of compromise after the worst internal unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But _ like the nightly shouts of opposition and prayer _ the crackdown cannot easily stamp out the anger and frustration left by claims that fraud handed the June 12 election to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Many predict it won't end here. The groundswell of opposition was too great, experts say, and the Islamic regime is left too embattled to keep the lid on indefinitely. Another flare-up came Sunday when police used tear gas in clashes with up to 3,000 protesters near a mosque in north Tehran, witnesses told The Associated Press. The gathering came during commemorations for a prominent cleric who was killed in a major 1981 bombing. It was the first public demonstration in Tehran since Wednesday. Within hours of the clashes, police had set up patrols and cordons outside the mosque. "The regime hasn't won just because there are fewer people on the street," said Reza Aslan, an analyst on Iranian and regional affairs. For the third time in a decade, serious unrest flared against Iran's establishment and was put down by force. This time, however, was nothing like the student-led skirmishes before. The ruling clerics have watched the fallout from the disputed elections mushroom into a size and scope they have never confronted. What unsettles the regime is probably less about the violence and more about the broad cross-section of protesters: Middle-class shopkeepers and conservative chador-covered women marched alongside fist-pumping hipsters with Che Guevara T-shirts and fake iPhones. Ironically, the last time such a wide coalition of demonstrators joined forces in Iran was the Islamic Revolution. And, perhaps even more startling, were the taboo-shattering denunciations of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose hard-line followers believe is only answerable to God. It all suggests a sweeping reordering of what it means to challenge the system. The protest tent has expanded to cover people who normally wouldn't stand alongside the liberal ranks of activists and students. The goals, meanwhile, could become bolder to directly question the highest levels of the theocracy. The huge rallies _ drawing more than 1 million marchers through Tehran over a few epic days _ also rattled the regime-promoted myth that dissent was mostly limited to campuses and the liberal enclaves in north Tehran. The same factors that made Mousavi the surprise hero of reformists also fed the backlash after disputed balloting: grumbling about Iran's sinking economy and angst over Ahmadinejad's bombastic style and Iran's increasing international isolation. "I think a crisis was waiting to happen and it was triggered by the election, which we can assume was flawed," said Robert Hunter, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and head of Middle East affairs in the Carter administration. "I think a lot of people said, 'Enough is enough' _ not because they wanted Mousavi but because they were fed up." But the theocracy, too, has stressed it's in no mood for challenges. One of its top envoys, Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami, said during Friday prayers that protesters should receive harsh sentences, including execution for those linked to deaths. The official death toll is at least 17 protesters and eight security officials, but restrictions on street reporting block foreign media from independently checking the tally. Khamenei tried to cool the rhetoric Sunday by calling on both sides "not to stoke the emotions of the young." Many are left reeling by emotional whiplash _ from sky-high hopes for Mousavi's "green" movement to a deep gloom after protest marches were crushed. Mousavi, too, disappointed backers by saying he will now seek official permission for any further rallies. On Sunday, Mousavi again demanded that the election results be nullified. It seems a futile gesture. The theocrats have endorsed the result and say Ahmadinejad will be sworn in for a second term as early as July 26. A prominent Farsi blogger, Roozbeh Mirebrahimi, wrote shortly before the election that "the process of change has already begun in Iran." Then an entry after security forces smothered the remaining street protests last week: "These days are hard days." Despite the stunning post-election outrage, it still buckled the same way as past flare-ups in Tehran University in 1999 and around various campuses in late 2002. Security forces _ including the powerful Revolutionary Guard and its network of civilian vigilantes _ have hammered down hard in every case. Protesters, meanwhile, still have no serious counterweight on their side. The regular police or military have never shown an inclination to break ranks with the forces directly controlled by the ruling clerics. There also is very little stomach among demonstrators to put themselves on the line without a clear leader and goal. Mousavi has not stepped up in that role. Despite his momentary flash as the reformist icon, he always has been a man of the system since serving as prime minister for much of the 1980s. He said he has no interest in directly battling the Islamic status quo. The question now looms: Does anyone? No one with any national credentials has offered to take the baton from Mousavi. Instead, the aftermath has tapered to internal political intrigue with most eyes on former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, who is both fabulously rich and deeply influential. Rafsanjani heads a cleric-run group, the Assembly of Experts, that has the power to remove the supreme leader. Such an act is still considered improbable, but it could give him considerable leverage over Khamenei _ who has the last word in all major policy decisions. Rafsanjani is considered a moderate who could see advantages in President Barack Obama's offer for groundbreaking dialogue. But the protesters of the past month seem left out in the cold. "We have no one to lead us," said a 30-year-old man from Isfahan who took part in the demonstrations. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals. "People are angry and afraid," he continued. "They are afraid of the future and angry because they failed to achieve change with their ballots." The legitimacy of the Iran's election system has been reduced to a punch line on Twitter jokes and blogs for many Mousavi supporters. "Anyone can make one mistake," says a message next to a calendar page of Ahmadinejad's election in 2005. "But only fools repeat their mistake" _ next to the date of the June 12 election. The next moves are anyone's guess. Some experts who have studied civil unrest movements, however, foresee a long and simmering opposition that could splinter into various forms of dissent _ such as seeking more political allies, appeals to Germany and other Western nations with financial stakes in Iran and nonviolent disobedience such as sit-ins and general strikes. "In order to succeed, Mousavi's followers almost certainly need to take their protests and opposition activities outside Tehran into other Iranian cities where they can outflank security organizations," said Eric Rosenbach, executive director at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. A well-known Iranian poet, Simin Behbahani, offered verse that touched both the sense of smoldering resentment and the threats that it's not going to fade. One of the lines say: "Stop this extravagance, this reckless throwing of my country to the wind." It ends: "You may wish to have me burned or decide to stone me. "But in your hand, match or stone will lose their power to harm me." ___ Murphy reported from Cairo. Associated Press Writers Barbara Surk in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Shaya Tayefe Mohajer in Cairo contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World 73-year-old Scottish man dies of swine fluAP - Monday, June 29 Secretary: Soldiers arrest Honduran presidentAP - Monday, June 29 Spokeswoman: Doctor not suspect in Jackson's deathAP - Monday, June 29 Axelrod accuses GOP of using inaction a strategyAP - Monday, June 29 Somali pirates release Belgian ship's crewAP - Monday, June 29 Most Popular – World Viewed Chubby people live longest: Japan study Opium-eating wallabies get high, make crop circles Jackson feared dying like Elvis: Lisa Marie Presley Saturn moon may harbour life-giving ocean: study Egyptian tycoon to hang for Lebanese diva murder View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 29 June 2009
Army overthrows Honduras president | International |
Iraq steps up security ahead of US city withdrawal
Israel to expand unsanctioned settlement enclaves
Three dozen killed in Afghanistan violence: officials
US withdraws from Iraqi cities despite violence
Hundreds 'still missing' in Iran: rights group
UN rights mission hears testimony on Gaza war
Heavy sandstorm blankets Iraq, delays oil bidding
Indian gay rights march calls to legalize gay sex
Nine govt troops killed in southern Philippines
Afghan minister says drug strategy is 'perfect'
Indonesia confirms new swine flu cases: minister
Jackson father doubts concert stress sickened star
Series of quakes shake Taipei buildings
Visitation held for slain Iowa football coach
Prosecutor: Mass. girl escapes would-be rapist
Boy dies after alleged Father's Day beating
Clinton urges condemnation of Honduran action
Dogs helping injured soldiers under gov't program
Arizona moves to allow concealed guns in bars
UN ambassador: US closely monitoring NKorean ship
Obama appeals for Hondurans to respect democracy
AP NewsBreak: SC gov considered resigning, won't
Connery blasts BBC at Edinburgh film awards ceremony | Entertainment |
"Transformers" tops global box office
Peter Leonard joins father in the family business
Michael Jackson's father doubts stress a factor
'Do The Right Thing' still asks burning questions
`Transformers' takes to sky with $112M weekend
Jewish cantors to perform in Warsaw opera house
Violence delays mine clearing in Afghanistan
Chaos erupts after Honduras coup | International |
Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom
Iran spars with U.S. and Britain over election | International |
New road threatens ancient Afghan site
Obama against penalties on polluters
Iran arrests UK embassy staff for 'role in riots'
Argentine leader suffers sharp blow in vote | International |
Quarter of a million Malawians on free HIV drugs: president
Emaar downplays debt burden of Dubai property merger
Banking on security in Baghdad | International |
Iran's crackdown quiets streets but not anger
In China, parents mourn children abducted by traffickers | International |
Obama against penalties on polluters
China filter software faces tough sell in digital bazaar | Technology |
Appeal to reinstate Suu Kyi witnesses rejected
Vietnam War leftover ordnance has killed 42,000
NKorea criticizes US missile defense for Hawaii
Violence delays mine clearing in Afghanistan
Surprising number of teens think they'll die young
Broadcaster shot dead in Philippines: govt
NZ police kill paraplegic shooter in siege
US soldiers swap fighting for job creation schemes
Philippines blames rebels for fatal blast
Three dead, 15 hurt in Philippines blast
Vigil held for Michael Jackson at Motown studio
New North Korea sanctions will have impact: US
Attorney: Promoters owe Jackson doctor money
Does 'love factor' make SC gov more sympathetic?
Jackson's parents declare authority over affairs
TV footage of Mumbai suspect interview released
Bear skips veggies for chocolate in Calif. home
NZ household borrowing rises in May
Korea Hot Stocks
Jackson's final hours puzzle doctor, family | Entertainment |
Taiwan dollar weakens on stock losses, eyes c.bank
Family members turn out for BET Jackson tribute | Entertainment |
S.Korea T-bonds edge up, eyes on data
Bruno is Borat-lite, and a little tedious | Entertainment |
Indian farmers who cashed out struggle with riches
Comic-Con boasts heavy TV lineup | Entertainment |
A tale of two L.A. festivals | Entertainment |
Black stars salute Jackson at awards show
Family members turn out for BET Jackson tribute
Reaper actress corners Copper | Entertainment |
Winners from the BET Awards
Moon rises at Edinburgh fest | Entertainment |
Soap brings message of change to rural Nepal
Canadian rockers Billy Talent eye foreign success
Disney star Ashley Tisdale gets edgy on new album | Entertainment |
Disney star Ashley Tisdale gets edgy on new album
Update: Pitchman Billy Mays Found Dead At Home
U.S. Television Pitchman Billy Mays Jr. (50) Found Dead In Home
Jackson's father concerned, doctor protests innocence
Sentence May Cost Madoff 150 Years, $170 Billion
"Bruno" is Borat-lite, and a little tedious
LA Police Find No "Red Flag" After Interview With Michael Jackson's Doctor
BET Awards turn up star power for Jackson
Jackson's final hours puzzle doctor, family
Iran recount seen as bid to placate opposition
Partial recount in Iran, reformers want annulment | International |
Israel to build 50 new homes at W.Bank settlement | International |
Activists sail to Gaza with aid
Shanghai activists save cats from being eaten
Joe Jackson Suspects Foul Play In Son Michael's Death
UN hears of Gaza children's suffering
Coolio Sentenced To Attend Rehab After Pleading Guilty To Drug Charges
Activists sail to Gaza with aid, defying Israel | International |
Lebanon's Hariri begins tough job to form government | International |
Farrah Fawcett's Funeral To Be Held In Private
Nigerian militants say attack Shell despite amnesty | International |
Middle Eastern Royal, Sheik Al Khalif, Expresses Sadness Over Michael Jackson's Death
Pol Pot paintings saved my life, S-21 survivor says | International |
Bangladesh textile workers go on rampage | International |
BET Awards Pays Tribute To Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson "Severely Emaciated" When He Died
Michael Jackson's Cardiologist Denies Administering Painkiller
Jackson Fans "Insulted" With Joe Jackson CNN Interview
Janet Jackson Addresses Michael At BET Awards
U.S. Television Pitchman Billy Mays Jr. (50) Found Dead In Home
SC governor resolves to stay put despite scandal
Smartphones, social networks to boost mobile advertising | Technology |
Hordes of hungry grasshoppers invade Utah
Mortar hits Pakistan mosque killing 3 tribesmen
3 dead, 60 hurt in central China train collision
Telecom firms back standard phone charger in Europe | Technology |
Abu Ghraib scandal haunts W.Va. reservist
New Zealand gunman dies after shooting spree
Centenarians show it's never too late to tweet | Technology |
First Khmer Rouge survivor testifies at tribunal
Spiritual adviser: 'Darkness' gripped Sanford
Supreme Court rejects appeal on Cablevision network DVR | Technology |
Israel approves 50 new settler homes in West Bank
Taiwan head takes Honduras off Latin America trip
Supreme Court bidding goodbye to Souter
EU Chamber asks China to reconsider Internet filter | Technology |
World fans still in mourning for Michael Jackson
Xbox users in France to get Canal+ films, soccer | Technology |
Firing kills 1 Indian soldier on Kashmir frontier
The Nation's weather
Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid | Technology |
Microsoft to sell Razorfish: report | Technology |
Malaysia stops boats carrying Afghans, Pakistanis
Obama to meet with Colombian president
Obama officials: talks with Iran still possible
Autopsy planned for TV pitchman Billy Mays
China's Hu to attend G8 meeting in Italy
Reports: China loan spree goes to stocks, property
China central bank chief says economy on the mend
Asia Naphtha-Taiwan Formosa buys at higher premium
Daiwa Securities tumbles on share offering news
Pierre Cardin denies plans to sell group to Chinese
Toyota technology has brain waves move wheelchair
Share dilution worries sent Japan stocks lower
Sony silent on reports of 'PlayStation phone'
`Transformers': Worst-reviewed $400 million hit?
Rock legends form new band, call it Chickenfoot | Entertainment |
Michael Jackson's lyrics tell a hard story
Young, Springsteen give Hyde Park rock masterclass | Entertainment |
Lawyer: Jackson's doc didn't give excessive drugs
Youngest Son Survives Virginia Murder-Suicide By Father
Impressionist, Vegas headliner Fred Travalena dies
Janet Jackson makes emotional appearance at BETs
Update: Supreme Court Overturns Racial Ruling From Nominee Sotomayor
Gay Leaders Celebrate Anniversary Of LGBT Movement With Obama Monday
West Bank settlers call tourists to the rescue
Baron Cohen's Bruno falls for Australian PM
North Korea: U.S. Missiles In Hawaii Are "Undisguised Moves For Nuclear War"
Islamic revival tests Azerbaijan's tolerance
Iran Begins Recounting Votes In Disputed Presidential Polls
Supreme Court Issues Ruling On Racial Discrimination Case Handled By Sotomayor
Concerts in Prague: false notes, great business
Senate Pushes For Changes To Terror Detainee Military Commission Trials
Spears, DeGeneres Twitpic accounts hacked
U.S. Condemns Honduran Coup; Organization Of American States Warns Only Ousted Pres. Zelaya Will Be Recognized
Michael Jackson "Severely Emaciated" When He Died
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01